Abrasive Wheels - Jailhouse Rock
Original Release Date
1983
Release Information
UK 7" 1983 (Clay - CLAY 24)
1 Jailhouse Rock
2 Sonic Omen
Chart Placings
UK Indie Hit: 13, 12 wksCredits
Producer: Mike (Clay) Stone
Additional Credits
Shonna - vocalsDave Ryan - guitar
Harry - bass
Nev - drums
Reviews & Opinions
PUNKY GIBBON: Their first offering at their new home is this terrible version of 'Jailhouse Rock' (what WERE they thinking?!), which despite equaling their early efforts sale-wise must have alienated many of their fans, especially at a time when almost every punk bands' attempts at progression was met with the accusation of selling out. It even had a glossy colour band photo on the front, The other side of the single was (for me) their greatest moment, the spine-tingling 'Sonic Omen', a poppy yet still triumphant and relentless call to arms similar in structure and feel to The Adicts' 'Viva La Revolution':
JEFF BALE, MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL #7, JULY/AUGUST 1983: : If this is representative, the A. WHEELS are already in decline. The A-Side is a pathetic punky cover version of ELVIS' old hit; the flip is a pedestrian Britpunk song with a decent chorus. Whatever happened to kickers like 'Burn It [sic] Down?'
SHONNA: We just didn't like being told what to do. And we didn't like people thinking they knew what we were about when they didn't. My philosophy has always been, 'I'll do what I want how I want when I want if I want! I've always been like that, and still am today, a right stubborn fucker!'
Additional Notes
Track 1 was subsequently re-recorded for Black Leather Girl.
